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Best Dispersed Camping near Glens Falls, NY

34 Reviews

Several dispersed camping opportunities exist around Glens Falls, New York, particularly in the Adirondack region and nearby Green Mountain National Forest across the Vermont border. Crane Mountain Pond Campsite offers hike-in primitive camping with established sites around a mountain pond. In the Lake George Wild Forest, Bear Slide provides similar backcountry options for those seeking seclusion. Ushers Road State Forest allows both drive-in and walk-in tent and RV camping on undeveloped sites. Additional options include boat-in camping on Lake George and pull-off spots like Cod Pond, where campers can access more remote locations.

Most access roads to these dispersed sites are unpaved and vary significantly in condition. High clearance vehicles are recommended for certain areas, particularly Cod Pond Pull-Off which requires navigating dirt roads that can become muddy after rain. Several sites feature established fire rings, though fire regulations vary by location and season. None of these dispersed camping areas offer drinking water, toilets, or trash service—campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Camping is generally free, though some areas may have specific regulations regarding stay limits and group sizes.

The terrain across these dispersed sites varies from mountaintop views to riverside locations. Crane Mountain Pond receives praise for its scenic beauty, with one visitor noting it offers "one of the nicest places I've camped at" with "gorgeous sunset views." Cod Pond campsites provide river access with varied privacy levels; as one camper observed, the sites feel "private despite the road" with "the sound of the river beautiful to listen to at night." Bug pressure can be significant in warmer months, especially near water. Cell service is generally limited or nonexistent across most dispersed sites, providing a true disconnected wilderness experience.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Glens Falls, New York (27)

    1. Crane Mountain Pond Campsite

    1 Review
    Thurman, NY
    23 miles
    Website

    "After a short hike up steep crane mountain we watched the beautiful sun set. One of the nicest places I’ve camped at."

    2. Bear Slide in Lake George Wild Forest

    Be the first to review!
    Stony Creek, NY
    13 miles

    3. Ushers Road State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Round Lake, NY
    28 miles

    "This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side."

    4. Lake George

    Be the first to review!
    Bolton Landing, NY
    18 miles

    5. Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off

    2 Reviews
    Bakers Mills, NY
    29 miles

    "The directions in the app are accurate -but do keep in mind that the campsite is down a dirt road which is well hidden from the main road if you aren’t paying close attention."

    6. George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Wilmington, VT
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "The camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on. There were only about 10 spots along the access road."

    "Some sites were really wet but we found a nice dry place."

    7. NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    6 Reviews
    Bennington, VT
    42 miles

    "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."

    "Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot. After what was very quiet and a peaceful place to be."

    8. Somerset Airfield

    6 Reviews
    West Dover, VT
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 388-4362

    "It has pit toilets. These sites are close together with little to no shade. Some sites have access to a stream that flows behind the park."

    "I arrived after the 4th of July and a neighbor said it was rowdy during the holiday with illegal fireworks set off every night over the dry forest. These pics are from a weekday morning."

    9. Downed Bridge Camp

    2 Reviews
    Danby, VT
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "But don't worry there is primitive camping starting about a mile down fire road 10... You don't even have to go to fire road 30."

    "Great location for a small group to camp at.  Can't wait to go back.  The main area is a walk in and is worth it.  The road into here was easy to drive. "

    10. Dispersed site along Forest RD 71

    3 Reviews
    Sunderland, VT
    38 miles

    "One of many locations along Forest rd 71, this spot was a good place to pitch a tent for the night while exploring the area even in the rain."

    "There are a few spots around you can park at. I chose a more sunny and open spot with less trees. So there's more options. It's very quiet definitely check it out."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Glens Falls, NY

44 Photos of 27 Glens Falls Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Glens Falls, NY

34 Reviews of 27 Glens Falls Campgrounds

  • Josie W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2024

    Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off

    Private Campsite

    Decent site right off of the “main” road. “Main” because it was quiet. Easy to access via a short dirt road, but also easy to miss. We only saw sites 3 and 6 marked and took #6. There was a fire ring and access to the river down a semi-steep bank. Beautiful to listen to at night. Site was big enough to pull our mid-size SUV down and unfold rooftop-tent, but we did have to back out in the morning; not enough room to turn around. Felt private despite the road.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2025

    Ushers Road State Forest

    Trail head

    This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side. The terrain eventually transitions into a low-lying, swampy area, likely due to recent rainfall over the past week.

    About 500 feet down the right-hand trail, there is a smaller path branching off to the left. This leads to a previously used campsite, approximately 200 feet from the main trail. The site includes a stone fire ring, indicating prior use.

    Given that camping is permitted anywhere in the woods as long as it’s at least 150 feet off the trail, the surrounding area offers an abundance of potential camping spots.

  • Taylor A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2023

    Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off

    Adirondack Camping Trip

    Highly Reccomend! The directions in the app are accurate -but do keep in mind that the campsite is down a dirt road which is well hidden from the main road if you aren’t paying close attention. There is no service at all.

    This site is campsite 6 and very private (I believe there must be others located close by). The site has it’s own private road. A car is not reccomended. Possible to turn around but you definitley need a smaller suv. There is a firepit at the site and plenty of space for multiple tents, ground may look flat but when sleeping-definitely is not. Plenty of trees for hammocks etc. You can hear cars from the site but the cars can’t see you-loved this! The sound of the cars from the main highway is something I got used to quick. The site is mostly shaded-the sun shines through a bit but not much.

    There is a river down the hill from the campsite which helps keep it fairly cool at night. The bugs were terrible.

  • M.A.D. P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 1, 2023

    Somerset Airfield

    Small open park

    The Airfield Campground is a strip of land with several campsites and fire pits. It has pit toilets. These sites are close together with little to no shade. Some sites have access to a stream that flows behind the park. The real attraction is the huge Somerset Resevoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities. There are other dispersed sites down the road that are free

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Somerset Airfield

    Good stopover location

    Only the first section of the campground was open due to flooding. As a result, there were puddles everywhere.

    Campsites are listed as disbursed but there are only 7 trees to separate 9 camp sites. The campsites are all next to the road and have fire circles.

    There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service. Basically a camp site where you can share a fire with the neighbors.

  • Natasha T.
    Jun. 6, 2022

    NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    Nice wooded little campsite

    A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well. A few miles down the road there is another campsite that is more open and also has a fire pit with a lot less bugs flying around and more open space.

  • c H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2023

    George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    Cool Spot!

    The camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on. There were only about 10 spots along the access road. Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites.

  • SJ W.
    Nov. 1, 2024

    NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    Beautiful but surprisingly crowded

    Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot. After what was very quiet and a peaceful place to be. Many pull offs but a lot were too wet for my van and I was afraid of getting stuck. The road itself was in great condition though.

  • licia S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Somerset Airfield

    No Wifi, Resevoir Beautiful

    Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and resevoir- saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping. It's been quiet and peaceful and sometimes generators running all night. I arrived after the 4th of July and a neighbor said it was rowdy during the holiday with illegal fireworks set off every night over the dry forest. These pics are from a weekday morning. It's great to see families camping. There are pit toilets. AT.T service at bridge prior to camp- short walk. SOS only in camp. Another camper told me Starlink works here.

Guide to Glens Falls

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Glens Falls, New York, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Scenic Views While Free Camping Near Glens Falls

Top Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • The Ushers Road State Forest is a fantastic spot for hiking and exploring the lush forest, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Enjoy fishing and paddling opportunities at the Somerset Airfield, which is conveniently located near the Somerset Reservoir.
  • The Green Mountain National Forest FR71 offers access to numerous trails and scenic views, perfect for those looking to explore the wilderness.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Cod Pond

  • The Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off features a spacious area with a fire ring, making it a great spot for evening gatherings.
  • This location is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.
  • With easy access via a short dirt road, the site is perfect for those looking for a quick getaway without sacrificing comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Glens Falls, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Glens Falls, NY is Crane Mountain Pond Campsite with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Glens Falls, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 27 dispersed camping locations near Glens Falls, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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